- Must visit
Riverside Museum
Major riverside transport museum with striking architecture, historic vehicles, and interactive displays that explain Glasgow's industrial story.
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
4 h 5 m
Average duration
4 h 55 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
295 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Glasgow is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Glasgow will cost around $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 5 buses that leave Manchester for Glasgow on Fri, Aug 21, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 21 the direct buses cover the 295 km distance in an average of 4 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 5 m .
On Fri, Aug 21 the slowest buses will take 5 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX590
NX181
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX181
NX590Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Glasgow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $176.
Distance: 183 miles (295 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $55 Average price | $277 Average price | $123 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 54m Average total duration 4h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Glasgow:
A bus is $23 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Glasgow costing on average $78 (€63).
A bus is $255 (€205) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Glasgow costing on average $310 (€249).
Other travel options to Glasgow take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 22m.
Bus takes on average 4h 28m.
Tickets start at around $55 (€44) compared to roughly $122 (€98) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $67 (€54). The journey takes 4h 28m versus 3h 50m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $67 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Glasgow buses for today, Thursday, August 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h25 | 7:55 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, August 21 | |||||
NX181 | 1:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h10 | 6:45 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 4h05 | 6:15 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX590 | 3:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h20 | 8:45 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h00 | 9:10 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h00 | 10:20 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Manchester to Glasgow run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:24, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 183 miles (295 km) distance in 4h 5m.
Distance 183 miles (295 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 12:24 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Glasgow — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Glasgow trip today.
Major riverside transport museum with striking architecture, historic vehicles, and interactive displays that explain Glasgow's industrial story.
Leading European civic art museum with superb collections, grand galleries, and regular exhibitions in the heart of George Square.
Elegant mansion with French paintings, decorative arts, and period rooms, set within Pollok Country Park near Highland cattle.
Lively green space beside the university, popular for museums, picnics, and riverside walks through one of Glasgow's prettiest parks.
Historic civic square framed by monuments and grand buildings, ideal for orientation, events, and classic views of central Glasgow.
Bustling shopping street mixing Victorian facades with modern retail, useful for people-watching and understanding the city's commercial core.
A savory pudding of oats, onions, suet, and spices, traditionally served with mince or fried breakfast. It is one of Scotland’s most iconic regional specialties.
Minced beef in rich gravy topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. A staple in Glasgow homes and pubs, especially comforting in cold weather.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often enriched with milk or cream. It is a classic west coast Scottish dish with deep local roots.
Elegant fine dining by chef Cail Bruich, known for modern Scottish tasting menus and polished service in a calm, refined setting.
A long-established Glasgow institution serving fresh Scottish seafood and shellfish in a lively, classic city brasserie atmosphere.
Traditional pub dining with a strong whisky focus, offering haggis, fish, and Scottish comfort food in a historic central Glasgow setting.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, while transit and attractions are fairly priced for most tourists.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not already added. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, usually small change.
Buses from Manchester to Glasgow are operated by both Megabus and National Express Coaches, with regular departures throughout the day, from around 1:00 a.m., until about 7:30 p.m. The route is direct, with a journey time of approximately 5 hours and departures seven days a week.
Buses from Manchester to Glasgow depart from either Manchester Coach Station, centrally located on Chorlton Street, or the Shudehill Interchange, slightly further out of the city. Both arrival points are linked by the city's Metrolink tram system and local First Bus routes, with night buses running throughout the week. Taxis are available at both Manchester Coach Station and Shudehill Interchange.
Glasgow, on the banks of the River Clyde, is Scotland's largest city and has the distinction of being a UNESCO City of Music, with over 100 events every week, ranging from opera to Celtic music. Visitors will also find the architecture and art of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, as well as world-class museums and galleries, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. The Riverside Museum is full of antique vehicles, while the Glasgow Science Centre has lots of interactive fun for visitors of all ages. Glasgow also has plenty of good shopping, fine dining and a lively nightlife. Buses from Manchester to Glasgow arrive at the city's Buchanan Street Bus Station, located in the city centre. Metro trains and Scottish Citylink, McGill and Stagecoach First Scotland Buses, provide frequent routes around the city, to the suburbs, the university and the airport. These services include frequent night bus routes. A taxi rank is also located at Buchanan Street Bus Station.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Glasgow by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Glasgow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Glasgow buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Glasgow bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station), Coffee Express (in the station), Fast Bites (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station.
Available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need